RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das Meets Finance Minister Amid Speculation on Term Extension
New Delhi, December 7: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at her North Block office on Saturday evening. The meeting, which lasted about 30 minutes, comes just days before Das’ six-year tenure as RBI Governor is set to end on December 10, sparking speculation about a possible extension.
While there has been no official announcement regarding his continuation, an extension would make Das the longest-serving RBI Governor since Benegal Rama Rau, who held the position for 7.5 years from 1949 to 1957.
Shaktikanta Das, the 25th Governor of the RBI, assumed office on December 12, 2018, and has played a pivotal role in steering India’s monetary policy during critical periods. His tenure has seen significant challenges, including the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic and global geopolitical disruptions. His term was previously extended in 2021, reflecting his importance to the financial sector.
Before his appointment as RBI Governor, Das served as Secretary in the Departments of Revenue and Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance. He also served as India’s G20 Sherpa and was a Member of the 15th Finance Commission. With over four decades of experience, he has held prominent roles in central and state governments, focusing on finance, taxation, industries, and infrastructure.
Das is also credited with playing a significant role in the preparation of eight Union Budgets during his tenure in the Finance Ministry, underlining his deep expertise in fiscal and economic policymaking. An alumnus of St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, Das is known for his pragmatic approach and decisive leadership.
As December 10 approaches, speculation about the RBI’s leadership remains high. The decision to extend Das’ term or appoint a new Governor will have significant implications for the country’s monetary policy and economic direction.
